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There are many different ways a writer plots–you could say it’s an individual thing. I think as writers we listen and learn about the various techniques that work for others, then we incorporate what works for us–sometimes through trial and error. Some don’t plot at all, but write by what some people have called by the seat of their... [Read more of this review]

Why do I need to cut a synopsis?
While I haven’t talked to every editor and agent on the planet, the majority of the ones I’ve spoken to prefer a 2-3 page synopsis.
However, every editor is different. One editor will want a one-page synopsis, another will want an extensive chapter-by-chapter synopsis.
In my experience, it’s usually better to opt... [Read more of this review]

When I attended my 15-year high school reunion recently, the number one question I was asked was, “How do you get published?” or “How do I get published?” Most of my classmates knew that I just had my first book released, Real Women Scrap: Create the Life and Layouts You’ve Always Wanted, (http://www.realwomenscrap.com)... [Read more of this review]

AS A FIRST TIME AUTHOR, should you finish your manuscript before you query an editor? I have been asked this question by all kinds of hopeful writers, and the answer is, sorry Kids, but yes. I know, I know. I’m not exactly the most experienced “published” novelist on the block. After all, my book isn’t out on the shelf yet (patience in publishing... [Read more of this review]

When we are talking about a plot, I am compelled to say: SHOW DON’T TELL. You might study some of your favorite movies. A movie has to show you what is going on. It’s the nature of the beast. Also, while you’re at it, study books on your keeper shelf to see what that author did as far as plotting went. Go through it scene by scene to see the progression... [Read more of this review]

I’ve just been interrupted!
As with all interrupted writers, we go through seasons of change and well, interruptions in our writing. This blog has been dormant as I work toward some personal and professional goals. But GOOD things are coming for you and me ! If I listed all the projects I’m in the middle of you might not believe me. Some... [Read more of this review]

Note: The prologue for #AngelWarz is the only episode I’ll post on the blog. If you or your young readers would like to receive all the episodes, subscribe to my newsletter over there on your right. Each episode will also include Writer’s Notes for young writers. This is the first installment of a four year journey. You’ll get one episode per... [Read more of this review]

As writers it’s easy to make excuses not to write, but add a busy family and back to school schedules, and it seems like squeezing in writing time is impossible. The key to finding writing time is getting organized and intentional about your “free time” no matter how much or little you have. But first it’s important to figure... [Read more of this review]

The final, epic battle for humanity won’t be fought by humans.
#AngelWarz is the story of two kids who soon discover that they’re not ordinary. They’re descendants of angels. Fallen angels. The Nephilim. These were the Fallen who took human wives and created offspring that would become the enemy of Israel and, eventually, all of... [Read more of this review]

Photo courtesy Flickr Creative Commons and swpave
I enjoy Instagram as much as the next guy. But some of you are getting a little carried away. Here are my top 10 signs that you have an Instagram problem.
10. You sign your name with little hearts and smiley faces around it.
9. Your cat has had more published photos than Jennifer Lopez.
8. All ten-thousand... [Read more of this review]

Photo Courtesy Flickr Creative Commons and gacabo
We’ve always been a little obsessed by angels. And why not? Of all the characters in the bible, angels are the most common, yet the least understood. They are usually sent as God’s messengers. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she’d give birth to Jesus. The angel Michael gave Daniel some incredible... [Read more of this review]

I’ve been spending the month of October preparing for NaNoWriMo. Without a plan, you could easily waste 50,000 words next month. I’ve been going into detail over at my personal blog–www.RonEstradaBooks.com. I’ll hit the main points here. Today, we’ll discuss your hero’s goal.
First, let’s review:
You should... [Read more of this review]

The characters of Breaking Bad have different goals…this creates conflict!
If you’ve been following along with my NaNoPlotMo method of plotting, or even if you haven’t, eventually you have to write the scenes. Be excited! This is the fruition of your labor. Now you’re free to create without fear of missing some key story element.
If... [Read more of this review]

A lot of things have to happen in the first twenty pages of your novel. You’re busy introducing characters, setting, smashing that perfect opening line (stop it…It’s not as important as everyone says). But there is something often overlooked by writers. That is the statement of your theme.
The Story Question
The Theme and Story Question... [Read more of this review]

It’s been a while since I had something to say. A while since I felt like I had something encouraging to say. Truth is, I’ve been the one needing the encouragement.
But today I was reminded of something as I opened by bible for the first time in a long time. Since I dusted off a devotion book I haven’t read in probably a year. And... [Read more of this review]

was harder than I thought! But I did one!!! And I’m having trouble uploading it to the blog because it exceeded the limits… So trying to upload it to my Youtube account. Stay tuned and say a prayer!!
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Well, not really… more like the 6 month novel was interrupted by the snow storm and a lack of planning and the Super Bowl, but I’ll get to all that later.
Today was the day my crit partner and I started our 6 month novel, starting with the “Idea to Premise!” We talked about it (a little,) and I planned out a vlog to do on Sunday... [Read more of this review]

This last week, I had the opportunity to serve on a jury. While there, I noticed a lot of little details about jury duty that I’d never realized. So, here are my Top 10 Observations from the Jury Box
10. Judges and their clerks are responsible for the current global sticky-note shortage.
9. Most of the people sitting in the courtroom are just... [Read more of this review]

And I’m perfectly okay with it.
It’s taken me a really long time to be okay with not writing, or not worrying about writing, or not stressing about keeping a blog schedule. But it’s a beautiful and freeing place to be.
As a new writer there was this sense of urgency to write and publish, and with that came a lot of heartache and disappointment... [Read more of this review]